La Vida Fresca

It was quite hot today. I noticed that during my outdoor run around 6 p.m. That might sound like early evening to you and me but the sun didn’t know that. The sun still thought it was noon. I did the second day of the new training plan I’m following. It was intervals of five minutes of walking followed by five minutes of running for a total of 30 minutes. Usually I don’t like interrupting a run to walk or do anything else but today I was a little thankful I was walking in between because it gave me a chance to cool off somewhat. It’s also worth noting that while usually I feel great while running at an easy pace, today I felt like I was running through wet concrete. I’m definitely blaming it on the heat and humidity. Once I got done with my run/walk, I did some inverted rows and dips on the dip bars at the park and some half-pullups (my arms were wasted by the time I got to the pull-up bar). I also attempted to do some ab work by improvising with the dip bar. Not smart. I do not recommend it.

Considering the weather, it’s not surprising that I wasn’t too hungry for food this evening. Instead, I made a nice refreshing green smoothie.

I didn’t have any spinach in the fridge at home, so I used two frozen bananas, a little water, and a packet of Green SuperFood with pumpkin pie spices. I accidentally used too much ginger but it was still good. I realized too late I should have put a little pureed pumpkin in the mix. Something to remember for next time.

Earlier there was a big peanut butter and jelly on pita and a block of frozen spinach I cooked in a rice cooker. I made hard boiled eggs in it yesterday. It’s rather handy for times when you don’t have a stove.

Pre-run I had a big juicy plum x2 and then some cherries when I got home.

Post-smoothie there were some Puffins with lowfat organic plain yogurt and strawberries.

I have some (home) work left to do tonight and then I’m calling it a day. I’m so glad tomorrow’s Friday!

I have been so very tired today that all I had energy for was a little Gentle Hatha #2. I don’t know if I’ve mentioned this before, but that is another free 20-minute audio download from yogadownload.com. I like them because I can have the classes sitting there on my iPod until I’m ready and I can do it whenever/wherever I want.

I just got done having the most traditional dinner: chips and salsa. Yes, seriously. Now I’ve moved on to chocolate mint Oolong tea.

Here’s the rest of today’s food:

Greens for breakfast (banana, ice, water, spinach, blueberries, Kidz SuperFood). A coworker has been tasting my Green Monsters and likes them. Now he’s talking about ordering from Amazing Grass. Ha ha.

breakfast for lunch

a spinach, romaine, and ranch wrap for second lunch (yes I need to get supplies)

and sampled lots o’ snacks I picked up today (feta-stuffed olives, trail mixes, granola, and many, many of these dates).

I think I’m going to try to watch one of the Netflix movies we’ve had for a month now and haven’t even taken out of the sleeves, “Touching the Void.” I read the book a few years ago and liked it.

Okay, scratch that. I just had computer issues that took up any possible movie time. Oh well.

Night!

As you all are aware, today was Monday. I think that says enough. I don’t think I’ll work out today because a) I woke up way too late to go this morning and b) I’m too tired now and I just want a restful, relaxing evening.

Lunch was great though. It almost made up for the Monday business. I created a Reuben-inspired wrap with turkey pastrami, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and light thousand island all rolled up inside a whole grain wrap.

I baked the wrap with the meat and cheese on it in the toaster oven until it got hot then I added the other stuff (meant to warm the sauerkraut in the microwave but forgot) and attempted to roll it up.

Served with a side of celery swimming in wing sauce. Who needs chicken when celery delivers the hot sauce just as well? It was just like eating at the local chain sports pub only without the grease and football (fine by me!).

Breakfast was a mediocre Green Monster and buttered Kashi waffle. I don’t know what was wrong with it but my mix must have been off somewhere. I even used the Chocolate Green SuperFood which is my favorite of the Amazing Grass products so far.

Also today:  some afternoon cantaloupe and more Back to Nature crackers.

Dinner was about a cup of whole wheat rotini with a half pound of Italian mixed vegetables and spaghetti sauce, sprinkled with Parmesan and some semi-sweet chocolate chips for dessert (not shown).

That is all for today. Good night!

This is going to be a sad little post. All I have to offer is food from throughout the day. Work was long and I’m tired and didn’t get the least bit of activity in my day.  Ugg.

Eats:

Green Monster– lots of spinach, a frozen banana, some vanilla almond milk, and a handful of blueberries. I missed these over the weekend and I’m glad I have more supplies now.

Tuna salad on rye with pear. I’m getting a lot better at using up what I have at home and creating meals with what we have on hand.

Half bagel with cream cheese.

Since we were on the road at dinnertime once again, we had to stop somewhere quick and convenient. This time it was Sonny’s (yick). I got their candied pecan-craisin-raspberry viniagrette salad with turkey (not really what it’s called) plus some salad bar goodies someone was good enough to swipe for me . Note the super fake-looking pink color of this dressing. I didn’t finish all of this salad. Nice try, Sonny’s.

At home there was a banana with chocolate and a bit more chocolate later.

Oh, and last night I had to have a can of soup and some bread because I got really hungry before bed. Must’ve been all that paddling. I don’t know why I seem to be in full on food journal mode right now but I suppose I’ll go with it for the time being, although I don’t intend to record every single thing I eat here. I have to say though, every time I make a Green Monster I want to photograph it. They’re just so darn pretty!

I’m hoping tomorrow there’ll be something a little more fun to report.

Until then!